Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega said political families should not be judged solely by their surnames, stressing that elected officials must be evaluated based on performance and governance outcomes.
Rep. Ortega said governance should be measured using clear metrics rather than perception alone.
“Dapat may metrics na kasama, base sa pamumuno at total governance. Kaya maganda po na may numero, hindi opinyon,” he said.
He cited several local officials as examples of emerging leaders from political families, including House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and members of the Belmonte family in Quezon City.
Rep. Ortega said Marcos is known for his discipline in legislative work, noting that he maintains consistent attendance at House plenary sessions and is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave.
“Higit sa kaalaman ng karamihan… hindi po nag-a-absent ‘yan,” he said.
He added that while the term “political dynasty” carries a negative public perception, there are studies and examples showing that some political families have delivered effective governance in their respective areas.
Rep. Ortega also stressed the need to develop future leaders based on capability and competence, regardless of whether they come from established political families or new entrants in politics.
In the same forum, he defended the House-approved version of the anti-political dynasty bill, calling it a “realistic and necessary first step” despite criticism that it was watered down.
He said the measure reflects what was achievable within the current Congress and represents progress on a long-standing constitutional objective that previous legislatures failed to advance.